New Amarillo Venom defensive backs no longer 'Jerks'

New Amarillo Venom defensive backs Rashaun Jones, left, and David Irizarry were named "Jerks of the Game" during a beef jerky promotion May 26 when they played for Rio Grande Valley. They joined the Venom last week.

New Amarillo Venom defensive backs Rashaun Jones, left, and David Irizarry were named "Jerks of the Game" during a beef jerky promotion May 26 when they played for Rio Grande Valley. They joined the Venom last week.

When it comes to the recent arrival in Amarillo of defensive backs David Irizarry and Rashaun Jones, think Terrell Owens landing in Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys fans were in an emotional quandary in 2006 when Owens signed as a free agent. T.O. committed football blasphemy in 2000 when — as a member of the San Francisco 49ers — he celebrated a touchdown by standing/stomping on holy ground, the midfield silver star at Texas Stadium.

Amarillo Venom fans got a T.O.-like dose of Irizarry and Jones on May 26, when the duo danced, pranced and basically irritated Amarillo fans during Rio Grande Valley’s 74-73 win over the Venom at Cal Farley Coliseum.

Jones had an interception and five tackles against Amarillo, and Irizarry had 4.5 tackles, broke up a pass and returned five kicks for 53 yards. Their act earned them the dubious honor of “Jerks of the Game,” a Venom game promotion sponsored by Clint & Sons Premium Beef Jerky.

As of June 5, the “jerks” have become “dang nice guys,” said Toby Tucker, who along with wife / general manager Stephanie Tucker own the Venom.

Irizarry and Jones — friends since their high school days in Florida — were not happy with their situation with RGV, and asked for a release. Once they got it, Amarillo was at the top of their list as both signed with the Venom. And ironically, the fans were one of the reasons.

“We fell in love at first sight when we came down here,” Irizarry said.

“Amarillo had the total package. The coaches, the players, the quarterbacks, everything. An offer was on the table, and we couldn’t resist,” Jones said.

Venom head coach Julian Reese said there’s more to the duo than what fans see on the field.

“They’re great players with great personalities,” Reese said. “When they came in, there was no cockiness or arrogance about them or they wouldn’t have been here. They came in respectful and wanting to learn with a hard work ethic.”

In their Amarillo debut — a 74-46 win over Laredo on June 9 — Jones had a 26-yard catch and two tackles, and Irizarry had one tackle, an 8-yard carry and a 29-yard kickoff return.

Here are their thoughts on going from “jerks” to valuable Venom.

■ David Irizarry. College: Winston-Salem State.

On what happened in RGV: “We were unhappy with the situation and decided we would take our talents elsewhere. We got a clean release and got into contact with Coach Reese. When we played Amarillo, the crowd was amazing. We loved the fans. We had other offers but we love it here.”

On fitting in with Amarillo: “I’ve never seen an owner like Mrs. Tucker, and I’ve played for several indoor teams. She works hard. The team has showed great hospitality to us. Nobody was like ‘They’re coming to take our spots.’ They respected us, and we respected them. I saw it as soon as I came into the locker room — this is a championship team.”

Describe your act on the field: “The dancing — it is part of our DNA. Coach Reese does have a problem with us dancing. He says we can only dance if we get a touchdown. It will be hard for us, but we’re coachable.”

What about being the “jerk of the game?” “I take pride in that. I’m not going to lie (laughing). It means I was making plays on the field, and I’ll take that to heart.”

■ Rashaun Jones. College: Winston-Salem State. Played three seasons at the University of Miami.

On what happened in RGV: “We decided Amarillo was where we wanted to be. The arena, the organization, they had everything going. Mrs. Tucker does a great job. We’re glad to be here. We’re going to play our butts off for the Amarillo Venom.”

On fitting in with Amarillo: “They showed us nothing but respect. Everybody comes to work with one thing in mind, and that’s to win ball games.”

Describe your act on the field: “We’re entertainers as well as ball players. If I can get that ninth man behind me, that is an extra advantage.”

What about being the “jerk of the game?” “We had to be doing something to be named that. I feel like it could be a badge of honor. I was doing something for the team.”

■ Venom Bites: Amarillo beat Abilene, 42-41, on April 21 as Abilene kicker John Anderson missed a PAT with 24 seconds to play ... A Venom win, combined with a loss Saturday by Rio Grande Valley, would put Amarillo into a tie for first in the LSFL ... Amarillo has scored at least 73 points in three straight games ... Abilene is last in the LSFL in passing offense (182.4 yards a game) and last in pass defense (271.5 yards a game).

■ Promotions: Tickets are available for $10 for all seats ... One fan will be chosen for the $25,000 “Pass for Cash,” sponsored by People’s Federal Credit Union. A fan will attempt to throw a football through a hole 24 inches in diameter from 15 yards away for the chance to win $25,000, with as many throws as possible in 30 seconds ... For more information, call the Venom offices at 806-350-7277 or go to www.govenom.com.

— Dave Henry

Jerking Around

■ Amarillo Venom defensive backs David Irizarry and Rashaun Jones — former members of the Rio Grande Valley Magic — have gone from being Amarillo’s “Jerks of the Night” to valuable Venom.